Tuesday, July 5, 2011

KABC Launches Traffic App to Save L.A. From ‘Carmageddon’

Los Angeles is used to serious traffic congestion, but as the city gears up for “Carmageddon” — a weekend later this month when the 405 Freeway will be shut down in both directions from Friday night to Monday morning —KABC has found a way to let viewers participate in the station’s traffic reports.

The ABC O&O has teamed up with Waze, the creator of a popular traffic app that lets users record traffic conditions using their smartphones. Information recorded using the app will be shared with KABC, who will air real-time traffic reports on road congestion during “Carmageddon.” Viewers can watch KABC before they leave their homes to plan their driving routes with the latest traffic news, then use the app to get updates while they’re driving.

“What’s really exciting to us is how it enables our viewers to play an active part in easing the traffic congestion,” KABC vice president and news director Cheryl Fair said.

The station eventually hopes to have access to Waze’s “road reporters.” KABC would be able to locate drivers on a map and could communicate with them from the scene — after they’ve pulled over, of course. (The Waze system will not allow the station to communicate with drivers while they drive.)